Good afternoon/evening, Bunker.
It's been an interesting day to say the least. Lane Kiffin hilariously told reporters today that he could give them "a pine box speech" to affirm his love for Ole Miss, which did nothing to soothe frayed nerves among the Rebels faithful. He said nothing to bind him to Ole Miss beyond the Egg Bowl (played Thursday). I didn't find that surprising; Kiffin is coy anyway and he's counseled by the deft super-agent Jimmy Sexton.
There simply is no reason for Kiffin to say anything beyond the boilerplate, everyday platitudes. He's a man caught between two bidders, so to speak, and he's wise to keep them both guessing. That's Bargaining 101.
From the Auburn side, nothing has changed from my perspective. Athletic director John Cohen has spoken with far more coaches than I expected — I'd estimate the number between 10 and 15 — yet I sense that Kiffin absolutely is the primary target and has been the primary target since, well, this thing started. Kiffin clearly has a "thing" for Nick Saban and Alabama that captures widespread interest in and around Auburn these days. He's also popular, cunning, brilliant offensive strategist who's had success signing more than his fair share of impactful players to a program that doesn't attract much talent on its own.
He turned Ole Miss around — quickly.
I don't think an offer has been made, but Auburn has taken time and care to learn what Kiffin would consider a good offer. And while a good offer is going to include a big salary for Kiffin and a lot of money for assistants, other assurances about sovereignty and NIL funding probably mean more to him, anyway. Kiffin must believe Auburn is serious about giving him the keys to the program. That's really the only thing holding me back from a "IT'LL BE KIFFIN" stance right now. Does he trust Cohen enough? He doesn't really know the other principals.
I've heard a lot of chatter about Clemson coach Dabo Swinney during the past two days. I just don't feel good about that intel.
I've heard less chatter about Luke Fickell during the past two days, though I think he's a more legitimate possibility.
Auburn has at least kicked the tires on Sonny Dykes from TCU. I really haven't heard much about him, though. Same for Philadelphia Eagles assistant Brian Johnson, who will be a name to remember moving forward. He's a star in the coaching world.
I just don't sense that Hugh Freeze is in this thing. I really thought he'd emerge as the consensus No. 2 behind Kiffin, but that hasn't happened. I think there's a tier of second-choice guys and I honestly don't think Freeze is in there.
Regardless, I sense that Auburn believes it can land Kiffin when the time comes either Friday or Saturday. There has been movement behind the scenes that makes me think Cohen, Chris Roberts and the committee believe they have their man.
My confidence here is very high.
Thank you for reading and subscribing to AuburnSports.com.
It's been an interesting day to say the least. Lane Kiffin hilariously told reporters today that he could give them "a pine box speech" to affirm his love for Ole Miss, which did nothing to soothe frayed nerves among the Rebels faithful. He said nothing to bind him to Ole Miss beyond the Egg Bowl (played Thursday). I didn't find that surprising; Kiffin is coy anyway and he's counseled by the deft super-agent Jimmy Sexton.
There simply is no reason for Kiffin to say anything beyond the boilerplate, everyday platitudes. He's a man caught between two bidders, so to speak, and he's wise to keep them both guessing. That's Bargaining 101.
From the Auburn side, nothing has changed from my perspective. Athletic director John Cohen has spoken with far more coaches than I expected — I'd estimate the number between 10 and 15 — yet I sense that Kiffin absolutely is the primary target and has been the primary target since, well, this thing started. Kiffin clearly has a "thing" for Nick Saban and Alabama that captures widespread interest in and around Auburn these days. He's also popular, cunning, brilliant offensive strategist who's had success signing more than his fair share of impactful players to a program that doesn't attract much talent on its own.
He turned Ole Miss around — quickly.
I don't think an offer has been made, but Auburn has taken time and care to learn what Kiffin would consider a good offer. And while a good offer is going to include a big salary for Kiffin and a lot of money for assistants, other assurances about sovereignty and NIL funding probably mean more to him, anyway. Kiffin must believe Auburn is serious about giving him the keys to the program. That's really the only thing holding me back from a "IT'LL BE KIFFIN" stance right now. Does he trust Cohen enough? He doesn't really know the other principals.
I've heard a lot of chatter about Clemson coach Dabo Swinney during the past two days. I just don't feel good about that intel.
I've heard less chatter about Luke Fickell during the past two days, though I think he's a more legitimate possibility.
Auburn has at least kicked the tires on Sonny Dykes from TCU. I really haven't heard much about him, though. Same for Philadelphia Eagles assistant Brian Johnson, who will be a name to remember moving forward. He's a star in the coaching world.
I just don't sense that Hugh Freeze is in this thing. I really thought he'd emerge as the consensus No. 2 behind Kiffin, but that hasn't happened. I think there's a tier of second-choice guys and I honestly don't think Freeze is in there.
Regardless, I sense that Auburn believes it can land Kiffin when the time comes either Friday or Saturday. There has been movement behind the scenes that makes me think Cohen, Chris Roberts and the committee believe they have their man.
My confidence here is very high.
Thank you for reading and subscribing to AuburnSports.com.
